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Internet of Things (IoT) Data Acquisition and Platforms: OS and Drivers (End Device Program)

By Shahnail Khan Last updated : November 08, 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. IoT devices can collect and transmit data about their environment, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and movement. This data can then be used to monitor and control physical systems, automate tasks, and make better decisions.

One of the most important aspects of IoT is data acquisition. Data acquisition is the process of collecting and transmitting data from IoT devices to a central location where it can be stored, analyzed, and used. This can be done using a variety of methods, including wired and wireless communication protocols.

IoT data acquisition platforms provide a centralized way to collect, store, and manage data from IoT devices. These platforms typically offer a variety of features, such as real-time data monitoring, data visualization, and data analytics.

Operating Systems and Drivers for IoT End Devices

The operating system (OS) and drivers that are used on an IoT end device play an important role in data acquisition. The OS is responsible for managing the device's hardware resources and providing a platform for software applications to run. The drivers are responsible for interfacing with the device's hardware and enabling it to communicate with other devices and systems.

A variety of operating systems and drivers are available for IoT end devices. The most common operating systems include Linux, real-time operating systems (RTOSs), and embedded Linux. RTOSs are designed for real-time systems, which are systems that must respond to events within a certain amount of time. Embedded Linux is a version of Linux that is specifically designed for embedded systems, which are systems that are typically small, have limited resources, and must be reliable.

The specific OS and drivers that are used on an IoT end device will depend on the device's hardware and the specific data acquisition requirements. For example, an IoT device that is designed to collect and transmit sensor data in real time will likely use an RTOS. An IoT device that is designed to run a more complex application, such as a video surveillance system, may use embedded Linux.

End Device Program

An end device program is a program that provides developers with the tools and resources they need to develop and deploy IoT end devices. These programs typically offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Access to pre-certified hardware and software
• Support for developing and deploying applications
• Tools for managing and monitoring IoT devices

End device programs can be a valuable resource for developers who are new to IoT or who do not have the resources to develop and deploy their own IoT end devices.

Examples of IoT Data Acquisition Platforms

There are a variety of IoT data acquisition platforms available. Let's have a look at some of the most popular platforms.

• AWS IoT Core: is a managed cloud service that lets connected devices easily and securely interact with cloud applications and other devices.
• Azure IoT Hub: is a cloud-based IoT service that enables enterprises to connect, monitor, and manage billions of IoT assets.
• Google Cloud IoT Core: is a fully managed service that enables you to securely connect, manage, and ingest data from millions of distributed devices.
• ThingWorx is a platform for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) that enables businesses to connect, monitor, and analyze data from their industrial assets.
• Cumulocity IoT: is a cloud-based IoT platform that enables businesses to connect, manage, and analyze data from their IoT devices.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things (IoT) is all about connecting everyday objects to the internet. Data acquisition, which involves gathering this data, is a crucial part of IoT. Choosing the right operating system and drivers for IoT devices depends on their specific tasks. End device programs help developers build IoT devices more easily. There are several platforms like AWS IoT Core, Azure IoT Hub, Google Cloud IoT Core, ThingWorx, and Cumulocity IoT that help manage and analyze data from IoT devices. These platforms are essential for businesses and industries looking to make the most of IoT technology.